Come Aug. 15 and 16, Yonabaru Town on the southeast coast of Okinawa’s main island will host the 44th installment of the Yonabaru Ootsunahiki (tug-of-war) festival.

Considered one of the three major tugs of war, along with those in Naha and Itoman, Yonabaru Ootsunahiki boasts more than 450 years of tradition.

This two-day festival is packed with live music, food, game booths, fireworks, and more. The highlight is the tug-of-war that takes place on Sunday.

Before the tug-of-war kicks off at 5 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a parade called “Michi June” on Routes 331 and 329, where the huge rope for the contest will be carried. This giant rope, weighing five tons and measuring 90 meters in length, will take a lot of muscle to carry. You can be part of the parade and help carry the rope. To do so, meet at the locations listed below by 3 p.m. on Sunday. 

Locals dressed as historical figures will ride along on the rope. The sound of drums and trumpets will pump up the mood even more. It’s quite a sight to see!

The parade as well as this tug-of-war can be physically demanding, so be sure to wear sues, not sandals.

Come to Yonabaru and pull the rope together!

Yonabaru Tug-of-War Festival

• Location for the festival: Yonakohama Koen (26.204370, 127.762748)

• Location for tug of war: Udun-yama Seishonen Hiroba (26.203938, 127.755739)

• Date: Aug. 15, 16 (Sat.- Sun.)

• Time: Aug. 15: 11 a.m. – 8:40 p.m.; Aug. 16: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Tug of war takes place Sunday, Aug.16, starting at 5 p.m.)

• Timeline for tug of war on Aug.16: 3:50 p.m. – (parade): 5 – 6 p.m. (tug of war)

• Meet-up areas for the parade: Achiri Hiroba mae (Team East, 26.201702, 127.757968), Oyakawa Hiroba mae (Team West, 26.202134, 127.756108)

*Parking spaces are available at four locations nearby including Nishihara Marine Park (26.208888, 127.767419), Yonabaru Elementary School at (26.204375, 127.755115), Yonabaru Marina (26.206333, 127.766249, subject to fees).

*Public transportation recommended

*Traffic restrictions are scheduled to be in place around the area on both days.